From The Middlesboro Police Department -
The MPD has released a statement in regard to an ongoing investigation.
"On Friday, July 28, 2023, the Middlesboro Police Department began investigating a tragic incident resulting in the death of a 17-month-old female toddler.
Since the investigation began, the child’s mother Erica Lawson, has been arrested by Lt./Detective Barry Cowan and is being held in jail on a $1,000,000 cash bond. She has an upcoming preliminary hearing date of Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
Detective Cowan and joint investigator Officer Caleb Ayers have been diligently looking into hundreds of leads which have included multiple interviews. Along with evidence gathered in the investigation was DNA from subjects questioned as to their role in this incident. That DNA has been sent for testing which will assist our officers in bringing the culprits to justice.
Our department is making every effort to follow proper protocol to build a case that will assist the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in prosecuting the offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
If you have information that may contribute to this investigation, please call Middlesboro Dispatch at 606-248-3636. All calls will be kept confidential."